|
|
 |
Normal |
Abnormal |
| |
- The esophagus is the tube carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. In a healthy esophagus, the tube is comprised of a cell type called squamous epithelium. At the junction between the esophagus and the stomach these cells may undergo a change (or be replaced by) a cell type called metaplastic epithelium cells, thought to be caused by chronic irritation from long-standing acid reflux. Approximately 10% of patients with long-standing acid reflux develop Barrett's esophagus. This is a pre-cancerous condition.
|
 |
- None presented from the Barrett's esophagus
- Symptoms of longstanding acid reflux -- heartburn, nausea, regurgitation, and swallowing difficulties usually
- 1/3 of all affected do not even have acid reflux symptoms
|
 |
- Chronic acid reflux disease
|
 |
- Endoscopy (scope is passed into the esophagus) and biopsies taken for lab analysis
|
 |
- Aggressive treatment for reflux disease, usually with proton-pump inhibitors such as Prilosec
- Surgical fundoplication (area of stomach is sutured over the esophagus to prevent reflux) is performed in some cases
- Endoscopic ablation -- area of the abnormal Barrett's cells is destroyed with electrical probes or lasers
- Mild Barrett's esophagus should be followed with repeat endoscopy every six to twelve months (after above treatments).
- Severe Barrett's esophagus is often
treated surgically (area surgically removed) due to the risk
of invasive cancer (ablation may be considered if the
patient is a poor candidate for
surgery).
|
 |
- This is a pre-cancerous condition and high-grade Barrett's esophagus has a 30-40% risk of turning into invasive adenocarcinoma.
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
 |
|
|
